Great places to get your picture taken with Santa

Santa at Illinois Christmas
Tree Farms

A great adventure for children is to go with Mom and Dad to an Illinois Christmas tree farm and pick their own tree, plus have a visit with Santa Claus at the same time. Most of the Illinois Christmas tree farms listed here are an easy drive from the Chicago area, although a couple are further out so you may want to consider making it an overnight excursion. At most of the farms you can get pre-cut trees or if you really want to enjoy the full woodsman’s experience, you can cut your own

Bring the kids for the exciting day of cutting your own fresh tree from our 120 acres of trees. Then bring them to our store where you’ll find Santa. This is your chance to get pictures with the jolly old elf without waiting in line at the mall. Enjoy our complimentary tree netting and shaking along with some hot chocolate. If there is snow on the ground the kids can have fun on one of our sleighs.

Please note: While our Christmas tree season is from November 18th until December 22nd, Santa will be at Abbey Farms in 2017 on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24th, Saturday November 25th and Sunday, November 26th plus the following three Saturdays and Sundays in December from 11 am to 2 pm only:

Location: Abbey Farms is conveniently located in Aurora just off of Butterfield Road at 2855 Hart Road.

After you have found the perfect tree, come to our seasonal store where you’ll find custom made wreaths and garlands, unique gift baskets, stocking stuffers, jams and hot from the oven our own donuts, pies and breads—and of course Santa Claus!

Location: Settlers Pond Hoofed Animal Shelter & Rescue is located in Beecher, Illinois, less than an hour south of Chicago. They are just west of the Indiana border in the heart of Illinois farm country.

While the farm is open seven days a week 10 am to 7 pm, Santa is there only on the above weekends from 11 am to 5 pm. Santa, will be at the farm for photos with children and pets every weekend thru Sunday, December 17th. The farm has a life size nativity scene with live animals, a kiddie train and an indoor petting zoo. Only precut Christmas trees are available. Christmas wreaths and boughs are also sold. All of the money from the sales of Christmas trees and wreaths goes to support the work of the shelter.

Location: On Ryan Road in Harvard. To get there Take I-90 (Jane Addams Tollway) west to US Rte. 20 (Marengo Exit); West on 20 (left) to IL Route 23; North (right) on 23 to Rte. 14 (in Harvard); North (left) on Rte. 14 for one mile to to Rte. 173 West (left) on Rte. 173 about seven miles to Wooster Street (also called Capron Road) in Capron; South (left) on Wooster Street (Capron Road) one mile to the farm.

Thousands of trees in nine varieties are available in Ben's 55 acre farm.
All trees are hand-pruned and organically grown.

Come and see Santa, you can sit on his lap, or you might even catch him driving around on his John Deere! Enjoy free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides out to our fields.
After your tree is cut, we will bring you and your tree back, we will shake and
wrap your tree for free. While you wait, enjoy free coffee or hot chocolate in our
warming barn. We will even help tie your tree to your vehicle! Saws and twine are
provided, so just relax and enjoy your day at Ben's.

Santa driving his John Deere at Ben's Christmas Tree Farm

Maple Park

Santa will be at the farm from: 11am to 1pm, Saturday, December 3rd and 10th,

Sunday, December 4th & 11th, from: 12pm to 2pm

Location:Kuipers farm is located west of Chicagoland in Kane County.

They are ready for the holidays starting in November. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving customers may choose and cut their own Christmas Tree or select a fresh, pre-cut tree. You'll find acres of BEAUTIFUL pines and firs to select from. You'll know it's fresh cause you cut it yourself! Wagon rides to and from the fields on select weekends. The Orchard Shop and Bakery offers apple cider, cider donuts, home-baked pies, cream & butter fudge, and specialty foods for the holidays.

Photo courtesy Kuipers Family Farm

Rockton

Santa will be at the farm from: 10 am to 4 pm on weekends November 25th, 26th & 27th, December 3rd & 4th, 10th, & 11th.

Location: On Yale Bridge Road in Rockton. To get there Take I-90 (Jane Addams Tollway) west through Rockford. Get off at the Rockton Road exit. Turn left at East Rockton Road. Turn right at IL 2. Turn left at Prairie Hill Road. Turn left at South Bluff Road. Turn right at Yale Bridge Road. The farm is about 3.2 miles on the right on Yale Bridge Road.

This is not only a great place to get a Christmas tree, but on weekends leading up to Christmas you can also see Santa, enjoy carolers, take horse drawn hayrides or pony rides, visit the children's farm, ride the kiddy train and much more. On a cold day enjoy some hot apple cider or cocoa. You can then cut your own or get a pre-selected tree or find a beautiful wreath.

Woodstock

Mrs. Claus will be in her North Pole House from 10 am - 3 pm on Weekends beginning Friday, November 25th through Sunday, December 11th

Bring the family and enjoy old fashioned Christmas traditions and memories at Oney's Tree Farm. Weekend activities include free horse drawn wagon rides with the sleigh bells ringing, plus visits with Mrs. Claus in her North Pole House. You can also enjoy pony rides , hot sandwiches, nachos, popcorn and bakery goodies.

Directions: Located on Hwy. 14 on Route 14, in between Woodstock and Harvard Illinois approximately 7 miles west of Route 47 on the north side of the highway. From Chicago: Take I-90 West to Route. 47. Go North to Route 14. Turn Left (NW and drive 7 miles to the farm on the north side of the highway.